After the draw against Elche, Barça were back in training this morning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper as they began preparations for Saturday's title showdown with Atletico Madrid.

Of the team's injured players, Gerard Piqué began training on the pitch, though still apart from the rest of the group whilst Neymar and Jordi Alba did specific recovery work.

Updates from Wednesday, May 7

Neymar may not play for Barcelona again this season, even if he does regain full fitness in time for their potential title decider with Atletico Madrid.

Marca provides details on a report by Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper in Brazil, which suggests Neymar's advisors will hold him back to ensure his fitness for the World Cup:

According to the usually well-informed columnist, Monica Bergamo, Neymar's management "are confident" that the striker will not be taking part in the game on 18th May against Atletico de Madrid, due to the injury to his left foot he picked up in April.

"Neymar was keen to play in the game, but the people who control his career have persuaded him not to run the risk of missing the World Cup. Neymar's team feel that he should be rested, even if he has fully recovered from the injury", Bergamo said.

Updates from Wednesday, April 30

Neymar remains confident he will be back fit for Barcelona's potential end-of-season title showdown with Atletico Madrid.

I hope to recover and to play the last game. If I have a chance to help the team, I will do it. We must fight until the end. The hope is the last thing you can lose. If we just have a 1 percent chance to win the title, we must keep going.

Updates from Saturday, April 19

Football Espana has the latest on Neymar's injury and potential return:

But according to Sport, Neymar has told Brazilian television station Globo that he will try and be back to play Atletico Madrid on May 18.

“I knew it could be a long time out and I was a little scared. I don’t like it in any way and then there’s the World Cup, of course,” Neymar said.

“But I can return within three weeks and hope I can play in Barcelona’s last match.

Original Text

Barcelona forward Neymar is expected to miss around a month of action due to a foot injury. He's now in a race against time to play again before the end of the club campaign.

AS.com passed along the update on his status:

Medical report just out from Barça: Neymar has a bruised 4th metatarsal in his left foot - he'll be out for the next 4 weeks.

Neymar started and played all 90 minutes in Barca's 2-1 loss to rival Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday. He even had a golden chance to equalize the match in stoppage time, but struck the post after breaking free with a well-timed run.

It's unclear exactly when the injury occurred. Regardless, Barcelona will likely be forced to play the rest of the La Liga campaign without him. The one-month timetable is right on the borderline with the club's final match against Atletico Madrid on May 18.

His absence should lead to more opportunities for Alexis Sanchez, who has enjoyed a very strong season despite an inconsistent role, and Cristian Tello. It would be a surprise if Barca risked sending Neymar back into action in the finale unless the league title was on the line.

If he does miss the rest of the campaign, his next competitive action will probably come in World Cup preparations with Brazil.